Inaugurating a New Era in the U.S. Philippines Alliance

Walter Lohman / July 01, 2010

Americans do not think about the Philippines as much as they have in eras past.  At the end of the 19^th century and beginning of 20^th, we fought a war there, first to liberate the Philippines from Spain, and then to establish an American colony.  Over the last 100 years, the Philippines has been an American territory, an American commonwealth, an ally and theater in World War II, an independent treaty ally during the Cold War, and most recently, a critical ally in the War on Terror.

The history of US-Philippines relations is complex, and evokes mixed feelings from Filipinos.  They are proud of the Philippines and jealous of their sovereignty.  Public criticism of the U.S., particularly when associated with the U.S. military, is often heated.  The Philippines has its fair share of grandstanding politicians, perhaps more than its fair share of leftist activists, and a hyperactive (sometimes hyperbolic) press. (more…)